Description

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookie bars that combine the classic flavors of peanut butter cookies into an easy-to-cut bar form. Perfect as a snack or dessert with a rich, balanced peanut butter taste.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

Using natural peanut butter may result in a softer or more crumbly texture due to higher oil content.

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend containing a binder like xanthan gum.

You can add peanut butter chips, chopped peanuts, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To warm frozen bars, microwave briefly for about 10 seconds to restore softness.

Doubling the recipe requires a 9x13-inch pan and longer baking time (30-35 minutes).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: approx. 18g
Sodium: approx. 150mg
Fat: approx. 18g
Saturated Fat: approx. 5g
Unsaturated Fat: approx. 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: approx. 28g
Fiber: approx. 2g
Protein: approx. 7g
Cholesterol: approx. 40mg